Tag: muskets

Posted on October 5, 2023October 20, 2023

Ten Rifle Companies: Why Rifles, and Not Muskets?

The official birthday of the United States Army is June 14, 1775. On that day, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed the following: Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia . . . as soon as completed, shall march and join […]

by Clark H. Summers

Posted on August 23, 2013August 23, 2013

The Aim of British Soldiers

Myth: British soldiers were taught not to aim, but merely to point the piece towards the target[1] …the British soldier was a poor marksman. Actually, he did not “aim” his musket but merely “pointed” it at the enemy. The British manual of arms did not even include the command “Aim!”[2] Its inaccuracy was reflected in […]

by Don N. Hagist